weedchiller

It's getting close to my first proper harvest. I use a lens from an SLR to look at the trichromes. Can't really tell if they are clear or cloudy, but a very few trichromes on the larger leaves are amber. (1 or 2 per leaf.) No amber yet on the buds.
Is there a % for amber crystals? Or do I harvest as soon as the buds start to get amber crystals?
Thanks.

Bongs_420

As soon as u see 40% of the trochomes(crystals) turn a blury brown or red color its time to start flushing the plant for the harvest.

ciratac

I thought the trichomes turning amber was a sign that the THC
is starting to break down, meaning you should harvest as soon
as you see amber.

Even if that's not exactly right, I think you will be in great shape
if you harvest at the first sign of darkening trichomes.

I had a problem with a related issue: depending on how I looked
at the trichomes (light, angle, background), sometimes they'd
look amber and sometimes they wouldn't. I found (with help from
people here) it was best to use white light, against a white
background, and try to see the trichomes without the leaf behind
them. But you probably know that already.

Sounds like you have a bounty on the way! Good luck.

-ciratac-

weedchiller

Yep, a few definite amber ones on the bigger leaves, but still can't see any colour change on the buds. It's getting real close. I want the harvest, but not relishing the hacking job. Ah well, life I suppose.

pontoon

...but I keep hearing of 'amber trichomes', and percentages of their 'amber-ness' upon harvesting.

I think maybe you might be talking about the 'pistils' (the little 'hair' that protrudes to catch the male pollen)...they INDEED turn an amber color during flowering.

The trichomes though (the little resin glands that look like dew-drops).....well, we enjoy the high from an earlier harvested plant, and ours have always been pretty clear upon choppin' 'em down. I've read that once they've all clouded up...the THC is starting to change already into other different (although stony in a different way...'couch lock') psychoactive molecules.

Here's a lnk to an older thread (CLICK HERE) that shows a magnficent 'macro' close-up of a ripe bud! The trichomes don't really seem amber IMO...but look at the pistils (hairs)! They're GORGEOUS...and 'amber' looking! And that's where the percent factor comes into play!

When a certain percentage (some say 'tween 60...to like 80-90) of the pistils turn that brownish/amber color, then it's 'pickin' time'!

Others use the 'trichome factor'...waiting for them to start to cloud over, then it's time!

Well, like I said though...I'm no expert, so I might get corrected here too. But that's what I've always perceived the 'harvest time' window to be. And it's supposed to be about two weeks...bottom end (with more clear trichomes), a more clear, heady, even energetic high! High end (trichomes have gotten cloudy)...more sedative and medicinal, ie. 'body stone'!

Well, I gotta bong-hit waiting!
Gotta go!

pOOn

__________________
pOOn

St0ney

pontoon, I have yet to see a trichome cloud up or go amber. I also, believe that the pistils are a better (more accurate) and much faster way of telling if a bud is ripe or not. I mean it sounds good in theory I've just found it not that practical in reality. But, then again maybe it's just me.

__________________

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." -- Albert Einstein

weedchiller

So I'm OK to harvest on 80% to 90% pistills turned? I fancy trying the NL couchlock effect.

St0ney

80% to 90% will do it.

__________________

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." -- Albert Einstein

weedchiller

I've just discovered that my timer has been stuck to on. Don't know how long for. Does the pistil thing still hold good? (I'll get a new timer tomorrow.)

ghettogrowerdan

if i want a high that will put me in acoma or at least fast asleep , i got a indica plant, should i harvest around 80-90% pistols turned?